… / at least try to see them live, if not, see the replay.

All times are Malaysian

12 June (Sat)
10pm: Argentina 1-0 Nigeria. Nigeria provided scant opposition. Even in the last minutes they didn’t seem hungry enough to go for the equaliser, and seems almost agreeable to a small defeat.

14 June (Mon)
10pm: Japan 1-0 Cameroon. Eto’o fails to prevent Honda and co’s victory.

15 June (Tue)
10pm: Ivory Coast 0-0 Portugal. The King of Africa vs The King of Diving at national level finally happened when Drog made his entrance with a small cast on the 65th. Someone mentioned it would be good to have a Hand of Drog moment, to make up for the Hand of Clod. But unfortunately, overall it was a very boring game as both teams played far too cautiously.

Can’t see the shoes, but must’ve been sponsored, shoebuy coupons are for the masses.

16 June (Wed)
2.30am: Brazil 2-1 North Korea. Possibly the most entertaining game of the World Cup so far. The Malaysian national team should be made to watch this game and learn from the Chollima – they played with astounding heart and skill. Remember the Brazil v Malaysia friendly match in May 2002, just before the 2002 World Cup? Brazil played at half speed, yet won 4-0. The Brazil-North Korea match was a serious match, and Brazil could’ve been upset. For the record, Malaysia’s participation in the World Cup ended as early as the first round of qualification when we lost 1-4 on aggregate to Bahrain, who went on the playoffs, losing a World Cup finals berth narrowly when they lost to New Zealand 0-1.

17 June (Thu)
7.30pm: Argentina 4-1 South Korea. The Koreans played their hearts out but were ultimately outgunned by a world-class team. Just look at this stats: on shots on goal alone the Albiceleste led 11-2!

19 June (Sat)
7.30pm: Holland 1-0 Japan. A boring first half was finally enlivened by the 53rd minute goal. The Oranje still not at top gear, Japan not overwhelmed.

21 June (Mon)
2.30am: Brazil 3-1 Ivory Coast. Who said Dunga’s side is devoid of free-flow football? I saw plenty of that.

23 June (Wed)
2.30am: Nigeria 2-2 South Korea. Very good match. Could’ve gone either way. The Koreans excellent in attack, creating many chances. Defense not so good.

25 June (Friday)
2.30am: Cameroon 1-2 Holland. Indomitable Lions tamed and dumped.

10pm: Portugal 0-0 Brazil: perfect timing, a Friday, the pubs packed to the max. Stalemate. A draw was enough for Brazil to top the group, hence never had the motivation to step on the gas.

SECOND ROUND – LAST 16

26 June (Saturday)

10pm: Uruguay 2-1 South Korea. The Koreans dominated possession, yet not clinical enough upfront and committed some errors at the back, while the South Americans proved that they could step on it when required.

27 June (Sunday)

10pm: Germany 4-1 England: mesmerising! Every time the Germans had the ball, they looked very dangerous. I thought England were in for a hiding when they were 0-2 down and the camera focused on Milner’s, then James’ anguished expressions. Germans very impressive on counterattack. England had lapses in focus and Rooney was not up to mark. John Terry, Matthew Upson, Gareth Barry all looked lumbering.

28 June (Monday)

2.30am: Argentina 3-1 Mexico: spellbinding! Argentina still look vulnerable at the back, but with an attack lineup of Tevez, Messi and Higuain, that won’t matter. Mexico started off well, but was rattled by the first 2 goals.

29 June (Tuesday)

10pm: Paraguay 0-0 Japan (5-3 penalties): Yuichi Komano’s worst night of his career.

Quarterfinals

2 July (Friday): 9.30pm: Holland 2-1 Brazil. Brazil mesmerised in first half, the Dutch struggled to hold on. The selecao’s defensive lapse on 53rd was the beginning of the end. Holland grew in confidence and got the 2nd goal. From then on, Brazil lost it. The last 15 minutes was probably the worst I’ve ever seen them play – terrible defensively and resolve broken. The Oranje showed yet again that they’re a world class team – revelling in those big matches.

The moment Brazil’s downfall began

3 July (Saturday): 9.30pm: Germany v Argentina

4 July (Sunday): 2am: Spain v Paraguay

7 July (Wed)

2.30am: semifinal 1

8 July (Thu)
2.30am: semifinal 2

12 July (Monday)
2:30am: FINAL: surely 12th July 2010 will see a record number of people on leave in Malaysia.

Source

Popularity: 2% [?]

Permalink | playing around, sabud |